We hold our heads high - Flint

The defender, much like the rest of the squad, put in a stellar performance against the Premier League giants in the first leg on Tuesday and picked up the man of the match award for his efforts.

The Robins are 2-1 down heading into the reverse tie at Ashton Gate later this month but had led through Bobby Reid's penalty.

Kevin De Bruyne equalised with a fierce shot before Sergio Aguero popped up with a late header.

Flint told BCTV: "They (Manchester City) are the best team in the world at the minute. We did very well and we can hold our heads high.

"We’re disappointed having conceded late on but I’m still proud of everyone in the changing room tonight.

"We’ve given ourselves something to go at in the next game, we’re not out of the tie at all. Your saw what happened against Manchester United so anything can happen.

"We’re still in the game and I’m looking forward to it."

"We just need to play our own game and take it to them in two weeks’ time like we did at Manchester United."

Man of the Match Aden Flint

Aden Flint earned the Man of the Match award against Manchester City

HEROIC CLEARANCE

At 1-0 and just before half-time at the Etihad Stadium, Flint raced back to head a Raheem Sterling effort out for corner, from under his own crossbar.

Reflecting on the remarkable moment of defending at what would have been a difficult time to concede, Flint said: "It was pure instinct. I was in the right place at the right time but I'm thankful that the ball went over the crossbar.

"It could have gone into the roof of the net and I would have egg on my face. I’m delighted to have stopped that and to go into half-time with the lead but that’s what I’m there to for, to defend and keep the goals out."

EXCLUSIVE: ADENT FLINT DISCUSSES THE FIRST LEG

PEP'S PRAISE

And Flint was also grateful to Man City boss Pep Guardiola, who had nothing but praise for Bristol City at the final whistle.

The City centre-half continued: "That shows where we are aiming to be, we want to be in the Premier League and if we keep on performing like we did then we won't be far off it.

"We’ve got a long way to go but to get a compliment like that from the best manager in the world is always nice.

"We’re still in it. Away goals will count so if we can snatch a 1-0 win at home, who knows? Anything can happen in football. We just need to play our own game and take it to them in two weeks’ time like we did at Manchester United."